I didn't see the show on HBO, but I read an article in the newspaper about the Mormon custom of rumspringa. Basically its a period before Amish youth/teens devote themselves to the religion. Apparently some return because they can't live without the support mechanism they have always lived around, some end up going to college, and some go totally crazy...it was funny..the pic in the paper showed a group of young Amish women gettin tore up from the floor up...another Amish youth was shown smoking a cig...and the elders apparently approve of this behavior before they commit to the ultra boring life of the average Amish dolt. One wonders what would happen if the JWs did the same thing......there wouldn't be anyone left!!! *L*
It was the Showtime(?) program 'Devils Playground' about Amish Rumspringa on last night. My visiting daughter who lives very near Lancaster, PA. told me about horse & buggy area at Walmart and sure enough, it was on the show.
The huge parties in the fields/barns were fascinating to watch. It made me smile watching the girls in Amish dress, on cell phones, finding out were the next party was like typical teenagers.
Despite alcohol, meth, etc. usage, having modern conveniences, the show reported 90% return. Most missed "English" vices: cars, especially by men.
The Amish Rumspringa make JWs look controlling when it comes to baptism.
